Residents of the Volchansk community have experienced unprecedented shelling, according to community head Tamaz Hambarashvili, who also mentioned that a large-scale evacuation is currently happening due to the onslaught of the Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region. Russian forces have made their way into the Kharkiv region from Volchansk, where intense battles are underway, leading to at least two fatalities and five injuries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on Friday afternoon that Russian troops had launched a counteroffensive at the Kharkiv region's border. "Our soldiers were prepared for it," Zelensky stated, noting that a severe artillery exchange in the morning effectively halted the Russian advance.
Earlier, the Ministry of Defence in Kyiv announced that Russian forces attempted to breach the Ukrainian defense line in the Kharkiv region on Friday. However, their assault was successfully repelled, prompting the deployment of reserve military units.
In the past 24 hours, Russia has executed air raids over the Volchansk area in the Kharkiv region, deploying guided air bombs. These air strikes followed an intensification of artillery fire on the frontline defenses Thursday evening.
Mass evacuation in progress
The Volchansk community authorities have commenced an evacuation due to the severe air raids. "We are currently evacuating the populace. A majority are leaving in their cars, but we are also coordinating the evacuation for those without personal transportation, working alongside volunteers and the police to move them from Volchansk and surrounding areas," explained Tamaz Hambarashvili, head of the MBA in Volchansk.
He acknowledged that this evacuation stems from the Russian military's extensive shelling of the city and its surroundings, stating that such intense bombardment has been unprecedented in the area. "Since 3 AM, we've been under attack from anti-aircraft missiles and artillery," Hambarashvili remarked.
Russian forces aim for deeper penetration
A high-ranking Ukrainian official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, reported that Russian forces had advanced approximately 0.6 miles further into the region near Volchansk. According to this source, the Russian military aims to advance 6.2 miles into the area to establish a buffer zone.
